Harp Gallery Minimalism is fading, and individuality is back. The Statement Art & Curated Décor trend
celebrates the return of expressive interiors—rooms that reflect personality, history, and
emotion.
For Midwestern homeowners, this is the perfect moment to highlight museum-quality antique
furniture and one-of-a-kind artworks. These pieces bring richness, depth, and storytelling into
spaces that might otherwise feel flat or generic.
According to Wikipedia’s Maximalism, this approach prioritizes abundance and layered
expression over simplicity. When curated thoughtfully, maximalist interiors feel sophisticated, not
chaotic.
A recent Reddit Thread captured this perfectly: “Maximalism isn’t clutter—it’s clarity about what
you love.”
- Start with a Showpiece
Every curated room begins with a statement. It could be a painting, a sculpture, or a
commanding piece of antique furniture.
Harp Gallery’s Art & Paintings collection offers heirloom-quality pieces that draw the eye and set
the tone. Pair an oil portrait with a dramatic sideboard or a gilded mirror with a marble console.
These combinations create instant focal points that invite admiration and conversation.
- Layer Patterns and Textures
Maximalist design thrives on contrast—but with control. Mix velvet upholstery with brass
accents, glass with wood, or crystal with linen. Keep cohesion by repeating similar colors or
motifs throughout the space.
For inspiration, check out YouTube’s Inside The Joyful Maximalist Home of Tatian de Nicolay
which demonstrates how to create bold yet balanced arrangements where antiques shine. - Curate Around Meaning
The best interiors feel personal. Mix family heirlooms with art, travel finds, and statement
lighting to create a gallery-like atmosphere. A console table from Sofa & Console Tables can
serve as the stage for layered vignettes—books, candles, ceramics, and framed artwork that tell
your story.
In these spaces, imperfection is part of the beauty. A small scratch or worn edge on a restored
antique gives the room character and warmth. - Balance Scale and Symmetry
Even in expressive interiors, order matters. Frame strong focal points symmetrically and
balance tall pieces like armoires or mirrors with visual weight on the opposite wall. Antiques
naturally lend themselves to balance through their classical proportions and symmetry.
To avoid overwhelming the room, limit the number of oversized items and let each one breathe. - Illuminate with Purpose
Lighting transforms antiques from objects into art. Position lamps to graze carved details or add
picture lights above featured artwork. Warm bulbs highlight patina and texture, creating a
museum-like glow that enhances every curve and color.
[photo credit: Harp Gallery]
Pieces from Harp Gallery Lighting add both historical depth and visual drama.
The Statement Art & Curated Décor trend is about expressing identity through beauty and
history. In the Midwest, where homes often combine old architecture with modern comfort,
antiques provide the perfect bridge between eras.
A single, thoughtfully chosen piece from Harp Gallery can elevate an entire room—proving that
bold doesn’t have to mean busy, and classic doesn’t mean quiet.
Let your furniture, art, and lighting speak—they have a century’s worth of stories to tell.
Make sure to follow us on Facebook every Thursday, when we go live from our showroom floor
and auction off one of our museum-quality, move-in-ready pieces of restored furniture or art in
our STEAL-OF-THE-WEEK. You will never find these prices in store or online, you can only get
them if you watch our lives on social media. See you there!
